If you’re looking for a smart display that genuinely improves family life, the Amazon Echo Show 15 might just be the upgrade your home needs. We’ve been using it as a digital family hub for several months now, and it’s transformed how we manage our household — from shared calendars and smart home controls to entertainment and communication.
A Shared Family Calendar That Actually Works
One of our favourite features is the shared calendar. The Echo Show 15 displays it right on the main screen, so we all know where everyone is supposed to be — from after-school clubs to weekend trips. It’s synced with our phones, so updates are seamless. It’s replaced the messy old whiteboard we used to scribble on, and now everyone, including the kids, can have input. It’s honestly been a lifesaver for coordinating busy schedules.
Seamless Smart Home Integration
The Echo Show 15 is now the central hub for our smart home. I can view all our security cameras — including the one at my mum’s house — directly from the screen. I control our heating, lights, and routines through Alexa, and although the widget for favourite devices hasn’t worked perfectly (I’ve tried restarting, but didn’t want to fully reset), I can still access everything easily by swiping down.
It’s worth noting that we’ve wall-mounted ours and hidden the wires, which makes it look sleek and picture-frame-like in the kitchen. We didn’t bother with the optional stand, and I don’t miss it.
Entertainment for the Whole Family
The 15.6″ Full HD screen is perfect for watching Prime Video and Netflix, which our kids (especially Thomas!) love. The interface is incredibly user-friendly and responsive, and we’ve never had issues with the touchscreen. The photo frame feature is another lovely touch — it cycles through family pictures when it’s not actively in use.
While the sound quality isn’t as rich as the Echo Show 10, it’s more than fine for casual use in the kitchen — music, shows, Audible books, or even background noise while cooking.
Voice-Controlled Convenience Across the Home
We use Alexa throughout the house, and one of the best features is the ability to make announcements — perfect for calling everyone to the table. I often use it from the garden office, and it reaches Thomas in his den two floors up without me shouting. It really supports our value of eating together as a family.
We also love using it for shopping lists, which we can update via voice from our phones or any Alexa device in the house. It’s these little things that streamline daily life.
Audible and Kids’ Creativity
Both kids love Audible, and the Echo Show 15 syncs beautifully across devices. Whether they’re playing or crafting, they often have a story playing in the background. It adds a sense of calm and creativity to their downtime.
Echo Show 15 vs Echo Show 5: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
We also have the Amazon Echo Show 5, and while it’s a solid little device, it doesn’t come close to what the Echo Show 15 offers. To be honest, the Echo Show 5 has mostly ended up being used like an Echo Dot with a screen — we rarely take full advantage of its display.
It’s handy for quick things like checking the weather or dropping into the living room to try and spot the cat while I’m working — which is surprisingly fun — but the screen is too small for watching anything properly. It might work better out in my office so I can see who’s at the door, since our Ring doorbell triggers alerts across all the Alexas in the house (which is brilliant — my husband could never hear the doorbell before!).
If you’re choosing between the two, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Echo Show 15 | Echo Show 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 15.6” Full HD | 5.5” |
| Ideal Use | Family hub, calendar, smart home control, video | Compact assistant, bedside clock, drop-in |
| Best For | Shared spaces like kitchens or living rooms | Small rooms, desks, or personal use |
| Video Quality | Great for watching shows | Too small for comfortable viewing |
| Mountable | Yes (wall mount included) | No |
| Smart Home Control | Full dashboard | Basic control |
| Price | £239.99 | £44.99 |
Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?
Yes, the Echo Show 15 is on the pricier side — we used Amazon’s installment scheme to make it more manageable — but it’s absolutely worth it. It’s not just a smart display; it’s a collaborative family hub. It helps with logistics, improves communication, and even enhances our downtime together.
The only small hiccup has been the favourite devices widget not displaying properly — but that’s a minor issue in an otherwise outstanding device.
If you want a large smart display that can act as the digital heart of your household, the Echo Show 15 delivers on that vision. It’s practical, fun, and genuinely helpful — and for our family, it’s become totally indispensable.
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